CRICKET hero Andrew Flintoff made a low-key return on the road to recovery after injury when he stepped out on a West Devon cricket pitch last week. ?Freddie?, hero of last year?s Ashes series, was joined in Chagford last Wednesday (August 9) by fellow Lancashire and England cricketer James Anderson. Both men are recovering from operations ? Flintoff for an ankle injury and Anderson for a back injury. The two men were staying at nearby Bovey Castle near Moretonhampstead under the supervision of fitness guru David Robertson, Club chairman Bryce Rundle received a request to set up a practice wicket on their square for the special guests and to provide some bowlers to put the men through their paces. The club put in a lot of work at short notice to prepare a wicket and put up nets in preparation for their illustrious visitors. There was great excitement and activity among the Chagford youngsters who got the chance to play in the field against two of their cricketing heroes. A club insider said Freddie batted for a good 40 minutes against Anderson and club bowlers, Anderson also batted though Flintoff did not attempt to bowl. Apparently ?Freddie? demonstrated his hitting skills while James was working up a fair pace?. One club member described the two men as ?super guys? and said afterwards, they spent time in the pavilion, talking to youngsters and posing for photographs. The practice session was also meaningful for Chagford?s captain and former West Indian international Prakash Joshi who is an old playing adversity of Flintoff. Last Friday, Flintoff and Anderson were named in the provision squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. They hope to be fully fit by the time the final squad is announced in a months time.